Mogambo was conceived as a Hitler-like character. He was vicious and so very eccentric, because he wanted to rule the world and build his empire. Since his nationality wasn't clear and the foreign origins weren't specified, though he definitely looked like an invader, the name had to be unusual, mysterious and hard-hitting.
And Mogambo was derived from a 1953 Hollywood film of the same name, starring Clark Gable. It sounded lyrical and the character was just fantastic - the evil, underworld, all rolled into one. It had the right ring to it, so writer Javed Akhtar zeroed in on it. I thought he should have a regal bearing as a ruler. Hence those royal, embroidered jackets and long boots were part of his ensemble.
Initially, I thought he should be bald, but after some thought we decided to give him a look of a foreigner with duke-like blonde wigs. The grand sets of Mr India were put up at RK Studios. I never saw daylight for 15-20 days since Mogambo existed and died inside his den.
His ornate throne had a rounded globe on the armrest. I remember I was sitting on this throne, while the lights were being adjusted. Now just to get the feel of the character, I started tapping my fingers on the throne, wearing all those rings. It seemed like an eerie gesture and a very sinister sound emerged. Shekhar is very observant, he noticed it and said, "Hold it - this is what I want." And it became one of Mogambo's trademark gestures in the film. Shekhar made an immense contribution to my performance.
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